How to use the bowel screening test kit

If you’re aged 50 to 74, you'll be sent a bowel screening test kit every 2 years.

If you're 75 or over you can still take a bowel screening test every 2 years. You'll need to request a new test kit each time. You won't be sent one automatically.

Send one small sample of poo and your results will be posted within 2 weeks.

What you'll be sent

The new bowel screening test kit includes:

• a small tube test to collect your poo sample
• full instructions to help you complete the test
• a pre-paid envelope

New return envelope

The return envelope you've been sent with the bowel screening test kit has recently been updated to yellow in colour. Your instructions will show a white envelope.

Please use the envelope you've been sent. Our instructions will be updated soon to show the new envelope.

To do the test you’ll need:

• your test
• the small label from your letter
• a pen
• something to help you collect your sample

To collect your poo sample you could use toilet paper placed in the toilet or an empty and clean plastic container like an ice cream or margarine tub.

Get ready

Before you collect your sample:

1. take your label from the front of your letter
2. stick it on the side of the test marked with the '+'
3. write the date you take the test on the other side of the tube

To collect a sample:

1. Catch your poo using toilet paper or a container.
2. Twist the top of the test to open it - the lid of the test has a stick attached.
3. Take a small sample of poo using the stick.
4. Replace the lid of the test and close.
5. Flush the toilet paper or bag and bin any container used.

After collecting your sample, put the finished test with the label on it in the prepaid envelope and post it as soon as possible.

If you've any questions about using the home bowel screening test kit, contact the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre by:

• phone - 0800 0121 833 or textphone 18001 0800 0121 833 (Open from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday)
• email - bowelscreening.tayside@nhs.net

The helpline's free and confidential. If there’s nobody available to take your call, please leave a voicemail message and a member of staff will return your call.